Molde: USA's Gatt needs knee surgery, out for season

U.S. international winger Josh Gatt needs knee surgery and has been ruled out for the remainder of Molde's season, the Norwegian club announced on Monday on its official website.

Gatt had been called in for the CONCACAF Gold Cup by U.S. manager Jurgen Klinsmann, but he was forced to withdraw after suffering an injury in a 3-1 victory over Sarpsborg on June 29. Brek Shea replaced him on the 23-man USA roster, and Chris Pontius took Shea's place on the extended 35-man roster -- from which Klinsmann can select players after the group stage -- as a result.

Gatt, a 21-year-old Michigan native, previously had earned two caps with the USA, including a start against Russia in a friendly last November. He played in 13 games (10 starts) in all competitions for Molde this season, scoring one goal in a Norwegian Cup game against Ranheim on June 19.

Molde's season runs until Nov. 10, but the club is slated to participate in the UEFA Champions League qualifying rounds after winning its second straight Eliteserien championship last season, and Gatt will be forced to miss out. Molde was drawn against Irish club Sligo Rovers in the second qualifying round.

According to Molde's announcement, Gatt will undergo the procedure in the United States before returning to Norway. No timetable was provided for his return.